Elections can be among the most contentious times for voters, whether it be city, state, or local. After all, much is riding on the line, and sentiments often run high. Dr. Dave Rausch explains the ins and outs of elections in our country, the problems with polls, and the challenges of being a disinterested observer while commenting in local media.

Perhaps the most contentious subject in casual conversation is the weather. It's either too hot, too cold, too windy...too something! But when everything is perfect, the discussion subsides and we enjoy the moment. Our guest on this episode is John Harris, Chief Meteorologist at KAMR Channel 4 in Amarillo. We'll take a look at the intricacies of being a weather forecaster, the risks he takes in making those predictions, El Niño coming this winter, and the climate change being felt all around us.

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The same can be said of Societal Impact, an imperative many universities and corporations embrace today. It's just up to each to figure out how they're going to make that impact. Join me with guest Dr. Kelly McCauley as she tells how she took her class down this road.

Sports is an American fixation. It matters not whether it is professional or amateur, we love a good game. Our guest on this pod is Dr. Brandli Stitzel, Sports Economist and Associate Professor of Economics here at WT. Together we take a deep dive into the arena of sport and all the money that gets spent along the way.

Change is a constant in modern culture, and much of it is centered on technology and innovation. Dr. Jeffry Babb has his finger on the pulse of this change, and is also Chair of the Sigman Lecture Series in the College of Business. Tune in for a chat about all of these changes in our lives, as well as this year’s Sigman Lecture.

Fandom is a many-splendored thing. It can be centered on sports teams, brands, and celebrities, as well as television shows and movies. Those fans have such deep-seated affinities that they will happily spend money, travel great distances, and do whatever it takes to participate in solo or group fandom activities. Marq Smith and Edward Candelaria are two people who know those affinities all too well. They took their leadership in Facebook groups for both Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and turned it into the Breaking Bad Store in Old Town Albuquerque. There fans can find all manner of souvenirs from the two shows, as well as tour their own private museum of show props, wardrobe, and other ephemera. Join us for a thought-provoking chat about what drives people to dive in so deep to something they hold so dear.